Chapter 2: The First Hurdle
"We'll begin with communication. Rememember you don't speak anymore. Good pony girls, whinnie when they are app, snort when they are unhappy or....losing control of their urges" Alexis paused and gave Riley a knowing wink. "Then there are other ways you can agree or disagree. "Pointing your foot out in front and stamping it on the ground once for 'Yes' and twice for 'No' ." Alexis said as she demonstrated with her own foot.
Riley watched, her mind racing as she tried to absorb all the new information. She felt a strange mix of excitement and trepidation, but also a sense of curiosity and determination. She had always been up for a challenge, and this was certainly one of the most unique and daunting she had ever faced.
"Now, let's start with the basics. I want you to snort for me, Riley," Alexis said, her voice firm but gentle. "That's probably the easiest
Riley hesitated for a moment, unsure of what sound to make. She sucked air in through her nose loudly.
Alexis, however, only smiled. "Not bad for a first try. But let's try to make it a bit more... equine, shall we? That was more like a piggy."
Riley nodded, determined to get it right.
She took a deep breath and tried again, this time making a sound that was more like a horse's snort. It was rough and harsh, and she felt her throat and nose burn slightly, but Alexis beamed with approval. Riley blushed with embarrassment.
"Perfect!" "You'll get the hang of it in no time. Now, let's try a 'whinny.' Think of a horse calling out to its herd."
Riley closed her eyes for a moment, imagining a horse in a field, calling out to its friends.
She took a deep breath and let out a high-pitched, nasal whinny. The sound echoed through the stables, and Riley felt a sense of accomplishment.
"That's it!" "You're a natural, Riley! Now let's try a 'yes' and 'no.' Remember, point your foot out and stamp once for 'yes' and twice for 'no.'"
Riley nodded, eager to master the new commands. She pointed her foot out and stamped it on the ground once, then twice, feeling a little silly but also excited.
Alexis nodded in approval, her smile widening. "Excellent. You're picking this up quickly. Now, let's move on to the physical aspects of your training. Since you're new to this, we'll start with something simple. I want you to kneel down and assume the 'present' position."
Riley tilted her head, unsure of what Alexis meant. "Present position? Like, on all fours?"
Alexis nodded, her eyes sparkling with amusement. It's a basic command, but it's important to get it right.
On all fours, head down, back arched, and tail—or in this case, your bottom—sticking out. Try to maintain that posture for as long as you can. It's a great way to build stamina and control."
Riley swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew what Alexis was asking, and it sent a shiver down her spine. She had never done anything like this before, but she trusted Alexis, and she was determined to give it her best shot.
She took a deep breath and slowly lowered herself to her knees, her hands resting on the cold concrete floor.
She arched her back, pushing her bottom out towards Alexis, and lowered her head so that her gaze was directed towards the floor. She held the position, her body trembling slightly with the effort of maintaining her balance and posture.
Alexis circled around her, her eyes scanning Riley's body, taking in every detail of her stance. "Good, Riley. Very good. Keep that position and don't move until I tell you to."
Riley closed her eyes, focusing on her breathing and the feel of the cold concrete against her skin. She could feel her muscles burning, but she was determined to hold the position for as long as Alexis asked.
She heard Alexis walk away, and after a few moments of silence, she heard the sound of a desk drawer opening and closing. When Alexis returned, Riley could feel her presence behind her, but she didn't dare look up.
"You're doing well, Riley. Keep that position," Alexis said, her voice soft but firm. Riley felt a light touch on her back, and she jumped slightly, surprised by the sensation. She realized that Alexis had run her fingers along her spine, down to the small of her back.
"Relax, Riley. You're doing great.
Now, I want you to try something. While you're in this position, I want you to imagine yourself as a horse. Feel the power in your body, the strength in your muscles. You're not just a person, Riley. You're a pony, a beautiful and graceful creature. Let that feeling wash over you," Alexis said, her voice soothing and encouraging. "You don't have hair, you have a beautiful mane." Alexis cooed as she stroked Riley's blonde locks. "You don't have arms...you have front legs" Alexis ran the crop across Riley's shoulders watching her friend quiver from the sensation. "and you have hind quarters." The crop slapped against Riley's buttocks.
It wasn't a hard strike, but more of a firm tap, enough to make her jump slightly and let out a small yelp. It was a strange sensation, the leather against her skin, a mix of pain and pleasure that sent a jolt through her body.
"Remember, Riley, a pony always obeys its trainer's commands. Always," Alexis said, her voice stern but gentle. She ran the crop along Riley's back, tracing the curve of her spine, and Riley couldn't help but shiver.
She took a deep breath, trying to focus on the sensation, trying to imagine herself as a horse. As she was being told she didn't have hair, she had a mane, she had front and back legs.
"And finally you don't have hands or feet." Alexis continued as she slipped the flip flops off Riley's feet. "You have hooves. "The riding crop traced the soles of Riley's feet.
"I have hooves, not feet." Riley thought as she internalised what was being said to her.
She felt the tip of the riding crop trace the soles of her feet, and she could feel a strange sensation building inside her. She closed her eyes and tried to picture herself as a horse, trying to embody the strength and power of one.
"Now, Riley," Alexis said, her voice low and soothing. "I want you to feel the connection between us. I'm your trainer, and you are my pony. You trust me, don't you?"
Riley let out a soft whinny, trying to convey her agreement with the sound.
She felt a warmth spread through her as she focused on the sensation of the riding crop tracing her skin. She could feel a connection growing between herself and Alexis, a bond that felt both exhilarating and comforting.
"That's it, Riley. You're doing great," Alexis praised, her voice filled with encouragement. "Now, I want you to use that connection to your advantage. When you feel unsure or uncomfortable, focus on that bond and let it guide you. It's going to be your anchor in all of this."
Riley nodded, her body swaying slightly as she maintained her position.
She could feel the heat of Alexis's body as her friend leaned in, her breath warm on Riley's neck.
"Good girl," Alexis murmured, her voice a low, soothing rumble. "Now, let's test that connection. I'm going to run the crop along your back, and I want you to focus on the sensation. Can you do that for me?"
Riley let out a soft whinny in response, her heart pounding in her chest as she braced herself for what was to come. She felt Alexis stand up and move behind her, the sound of the crop being lifted echoing through the stables.
Then, the leather touched her skin, the cool material tracing a path along her spine. It started at the base of her neck, and she felt a shiver run down her body as the crop moved lower, over the curve of her back and down to the small of her back.
Riley focused on the sensation, allowing the heat and the connection with Alexis to ground her. She felt a strange mixture of pleasure and pain as the crop continued to move down her back, the leather leaving a trail of chill in its wake. She could feel the tension in her muscles as she fought to maintain her position, her body trembling slightly with each movement of the crop.
"Don't be afraid of the crop Riley." Alexis repeating what she'd heard other trainers say when she had watched them break in new fillies. "It's your friend. It helps guide you...." Alexis swatted Riley's buttocks again. The sting from the crop was sharper this time, and Riley let out a soft whimper, her body tensing. Breathe," Alexis coached, her voice soothing. "The crop is your friend. It's helping you understand your limits, your boundaries. It's guiding you."
Riley took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. She could feel the heat of the crop's touch lingering on her skin, a mix of pain and pleasure that was both exciting and uncomfortable. She focused on the sensation, trying to understand what her body was telling her. She felt her muscles tighten and relax, her breath coming in steady inhales and exhales. Her mind drifted, imagining herself as a powerful horse, strong and sure-footed. She could almost feel the wind in her mane, the sun on her back, the rhythm of hooves pounding against the earth.
Alexis continued, her voice soft and steady, "That's it, Riley. Let the crop guide you. It's helping you find your center, your balance."
Riley nodded, her body swaying slightly with the movement of the crop along her back. "Now, stand back up Riley." Alexis instructed. Riley stood slowly, her muscles protesting the change in position. As she straightened, Alexis walked in front of her, her eyes roaming over Riley's body, taking in every detail of her stance and form. "You've done well today, Riley. You've shown great promise as a pony girl."
Riley beamed with pride, her chest puffing out slightly at the praise. "Thank you, Alexis. I'm glad I could make you proud."
Alexis smiled and ran a hand through Riley's hair, tugging gently. "Lets fit you wit hthe rest of your outfit before we move onto the next lesson." Alexis said as she began to unbutton the back of Riley's leather top. Riley could feel a slight draft as the cool air hit her bare skin, goosebumps rising on her arms. Alexis walked over to a nearby shelf and pulled down a black leather harness with straps that criss-crossed over the chest and back. She walked back over to Riley and slipped the harness over her head, fastening it around her ribcage and between her breasts. Her bare breasts were now on display as Alexis fitted leather cuffs around Riley's wrists.
Riley felt a flutter of nerves in her stomach as the cool leather touched her skin. She watched as Alexis picked up a pair of black leather boots with heels so high they looked more like stilts than footwear.
"What are those?" Riley asked, her voice a little breathless.
Alexis grinned, holding the boots up so Riley could see them properly. "These are pony boots. They'll help you move with the grace and agility of a horse. And they'll make your backside look fantastic, trust me," Alexis added with a wink.
Riley blushed, feeling a sudden heat in her cheeks.
"I don't know if I can walk in those, Alexis. They look...dangerous."
Alexis chuckled, setting the boots down and crouching in front of Riley. She took one of Riley's feet in her hands, rubbing her fingers gently along the sole. "You'll get used to them, Riley. And I promise, I won't let you fall. Now, lift your foot for me."
Riley did as she was told, her heart pounding in her chest. Alexis slipped the boot onto her foot, pulling the laces tight and tying them off firmly.
"Other foot, Riley." Riley obeyed as she slipped her foot into the boot. "You have beautiful toes Riley. But ponies don't have toes do they?"
Alexis mused as she ran her fingers along the top of Riley's bare foot, causing her to squirm. "You have hooves." She finished as she tapped the tip of Riley's big toe, sending a shiver up her spine.
Riley felt her muscles tense and her breath hitch as the sensation traveled up her leg.
"I... I have hooves," she repeated, trying to internalize the idea.
Alexis nodded, her eyes never leaving Riley's. "That's right. Hooves.
The word echoed in Riley's mind as she tried to wrap her head around the concept. She was no longer just Riley, the college student with blonde hair and a toned figure. She was a pony, a creature of strength and grace. She focused on the sensation of Alexis's fingers on her foot, the gentle touch sending shivers up her spine.
Alexis stood up, her eyes roaming over Riley's body, taking in every detail of her appearance. "You look incredible, Riley," she said, her voice filled with admiration.
The leather was soft and supple, but the heel was tall and made Riley feel unsteady on her feet. She wobbled slightly, her arms flailing for balance.
"Easy there, tiger," Alexis said, her hands steady on Riley's hips. "It's okay to lean on me. You'll get the hang of it in no time."
Riley nodded, taking a deep breath to steady herself. She felt Alexis's hands on her hips, strong and reassuring. She was grateful for the support, but she also felt a strange sensation in her stomach, a mix of excitement and nervousness.
She looked down at her feet, the black leather boots with their towering heels seeming to outpace her actual legs. She felt like a newborn foal, unsure of how to use its limbs. She took a deep breath and focused on the task at hand, attempting to walk in a straight line. The heels clicked against the concrete floor, creating a steady rhythm that she could feel resonate through her body. She took a hesitant step forward, her hips swaying slightly to keep her balance. Alexis walked beside her, her hand still resting on Riley's hip.
Just take your time and focus on your steps."
Riley could feel the burn in her calves and thighs as she forced herself to walk slowly, her body trying to adjust to the height of the heels. With each step, she felt a jolt of pain in her feet, but the sensation was quickly replaced by a strange sense of pleasure.
"Breathe, Riley," Alexis reminded her softly. "You're doing amazing. Remember, ponies aren't just about speed and strength. They're also about grace and elegance. You're learning to move with poise and control. Soon we'll be able to clip your wrists to the bottom of your corset keeping your hand by your side." Riley shook at the thought as her hands shot out to keep her balance.
Alexis chuckled "Don't worry, that isn't today." Alexis gripped Riley's hips tighter. "Stop and stand at attention, Riley." Alexis commanded, her voice firm and authoritative. Riley obeyed, halting her wobbly steps and assuming a stance that was as best as she could manage, considering her wobbly hooves.
Alexis walked around her, her eyes inspecting every detail of Riley's outfit and posture. She nodded in approval, a small smile playing on her lips. You're doing brilliantly, Riley. The heels are a bit of a challenge, but you're handling them well. Now, let's work on your balance a bit more."
She reached into her pocket and pulled out a small, black device that looked like a remote control.
She pressed a button, and a soft, soothing melody began to play from hidden speakers in the stables.
"What's that?" Riley asked, her voice slightly breathless from the effort of maintaining her balance.
Alexis grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "That's your music, my dear. It's going to help you find your rhythm and move with more fluidity."
She pressed another button, and the music changed, picking up pace and intensity. Riley felt her body responding to the beat, her hips swaying slightly as she tried to match the rhythm. "One last thing." Alexis felt emboldened by how compliant Riley was. She knelt in front of Riley and slipped the leather shorts and slid them down her friends legs.
Riley blushed, she felt exposed, but also a strange sense of excitement. She felt Alexis run her hands over her buttocks, and she shuddered at the sensation. Alexi then reached another leather garment from a small cupboard nearby. It was a leather thong. Riley gasped in shock, her pussy might be covered but her buttocks would be on full display.
She stood there, rooted to the spot, her cheeks flaming red. "Alexis, I... I don't know about this," Riley said, her voice trembling slightly.
Alexis stood up, her eyes never leaving Riley's. "Trust me, Riley. This is all part of the experience. You're a pony now, remember? Ponies don't wear pants. They wear tack—like this thong and the harness." She held the thong up to Riley, her voice firm but gentle. "It's not just about the look, it's about the feel, the sensation.
It's about reminding you that you're not just Riley anymore, you're a pony. A beautiful, powerful creature, ready to serve and please. And I promise, the feeling of the leather against your skin, the way it hugs your body, is...intoxicating," Alexis said, her voice low and soothing as she ran her fingers along the edge of the thong.
Riley bit her lip, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the heat rising in her cheeks, but also a tingling sensation between her legs. She knew she should be protesting, should be telling Alexis that this was too much, too soon.
But there was something about the way Alexis was looking at her, something in her voice that made Riley want to trust her, want to give in to the sensation. She took a deep breath, her heart hammering in her chest, and nodded.
Alexis smiled, her eyes never leaving Riley's. "Good girl," she murmured, her voice soft and approving. She stepped closer, her hands reaching up to cup Riley's face, her thumbs brushing gently over Riley's cheekbones. "I know this is all new and overwhelming, but I promise, you're in safe hands.
I won't do anything you're not comfortable with, and if you ever want to stop, all you have to do is say 'no' and stamp your foot twice. Okay?" Alexis said, her voice gentle and reassuring.
Riley nodded, her breath hitching slightly as Alexis's hands moved to the clasp of the harness, beginning to undo it. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Alexis smiled, her eyes softening. "That's my girl.
Now, let's get you into this thong. It's going to feel a bit strange at first, but trust me, you'll get used to it." Alexis said as she slipped the leather garment up Riley's legs, her hands gently guiding Riley's feet into the straps. Riley shivered as the cool leather brushed against her skin, a mix of apprehension and anticipation coursing through her veins. She could feel the thong hugging her hips, the leather snug against her most intimate areas. She took a deep breath, trying to relax into the sensation.
Alexis stepped back, her eyes roaming over Riley's body, admiring her friend's curves and the way the leather hugged her skin.
"Perfect," Alexis said, her voice a low purr. "Now, Riley, I want you to feel the music. Let it move through you, let it guide your body."
Riley closed her eyes and took a deep breath, trying to focus on the music and the sensation of Alexis's hands on her body. She could feel the beat pulsing through her, and she began to sway her hips in time with the rhythm.
Alexis circled around her, watching with approval as Riley started to move with more confidence. You're getting the hang of it. Now, let's add some hands - or in this case, front legs," Alexis said with a wink.
Riley nodded, her breath coming in shallow gasps as she tried to keep up with the beat. She brought her hands up, bending her elbows at a right angle, and started to move them in time with her hips.
Alexis grinned, clapping her hands together. "Brilliant! Now, let's pick up the pace.
You're not just a pony, Riley. You're a racehorse, ready to run. Feel the music, feel the power inside you, and let it out. Canter for me, Riley."
Riley took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. She could feel the adrenaline coursing through her veins, the music driving her forward. She started to move faster, her hips swaying more aggressively, her front legs pumping in time with the beat. The heels of her boots clicked against the concrete floor, and she could feel the heat building in her muscles.
Alexis watched, her eyes wide with excitement.
The transformation was incredible. Riley's body moved with a grace and power that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her blonde hair, now a wild mane, whipped around her face as she danced, her breath coming in ragged gasps. Alexis could see the sweat glistening on her skin, the leather creaking and stretching as Riley moved.
"Faster, Riley!" Alexis called out, her voice filled with exhilaration. "Feel the power inside you! Let it out!"
Riley did as she was told, her body moving faster and faster, her movements becoming more fluid and controlled.
She could feel the excitement building inside her, a wild, untamed sensation that she had never experienced before. She was no longer just Riley; she was a horse, a powerful and graceful creature, ready to run, ready to race.
She could see Alexis watching her, her eyes wide and her breath coming in quick, excited gasps. She felt a surge of pride and accomplishment, knowing that she was impressing her best friend and trainer.
"That's it, Riley! You're doing amazing!" Alexis called out, her voice filled with excitement and encouragement. But then a wobble as Riley's tired legs didn't lift her boots high enough and she tripped.
Her arms flailed out, trying to catch herself, but she couldn't keep her balance. She fell to the ground with a thud, her boots clattering against the concrete. Alexis rushed to her side, her face etched with concern.
"Riley! Are you okay?" she asked, crouching down beside her.
Riley winced as she sat up, her hands going to her backside, which was sure to have a bruise from the fall. She looked up at Alexis, her lips trembling slightly as she tried to hold back tears. "I-I'm sorry, Alexis. I couldn't keep up," she stammered.
"I'm so sorry, Alexis. I didn't mean to ruin everything."
Alexis was already shaking her head, her brows furrowing with concern and determination. "Riley, listen to me. You didn't ruin anything. This is all new to you, and it's going to take time to get used to it. You're doing amazing, and you shouldn't be sorry for that." Alexis helped Riley sit up. and cradled her face in her hands. "It's me who should apologise. I got overly excited watching you. I'm learning this too. Here." Alexis reached into her pocket and produced a sugar cube.
She unwrapped it and held it out to Riley, "Open up, pony."
Riley hesitated for a moment, unsure of what was happening. She had never been fed like an animal before, but something about the way Alexis was looking at her made her comply. She opened her mouth and Alexis placed the sugar cube on her tongue.
"Good girl," Alexis praised, her voice soft and soothing. "This will help you with your energy levels. You've done so well today, and I don't want you to crash too quickly."
Riley swallowed the sugar cube, the sweet taste lingering on her tongue.
She felt a warmth spread through her body, and her muscles started to relax.
"Good girl," Alexis said again, her voice filled with pride. "You did so well today, Riley. I'm really impressed with how quickly you're picking this up. Now, let's get you out of that harness and those boots. You've earned a break."
As Alexis helped Riley out of her boots and harness, Riley couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. She had pushed herself far beyond her comfort zone today, and while she was sore and tired, she also felt exhilarated. She had completely forgot that during all of that she had been topless. Riley blushed thinking how her small but ample breasts must have been bouncing around as she moved.
She giggled slightly at the imagery and shook herself out of it.
"Thanks," Riley said, her voice still somewhat breathless. "I’m really glad I took you up on this offer. It’s been... interesting."
Alexis smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Interesting is one way to put it. But I’m glad you’re enjoying it. You’ve got a real talent for this, Riley. I can see it."
Riley smiled back, feeling a warmth spread through her at Alexis’s praise. She looked down at her body, she was now naked except for her leather thong and wrist cuffs. "I'm afraid new ponies in training must be strictly kept in just what you're wearing." Alexis spoke softly and sympathetically.
"Now lets get you to your stall to rest." Alexis smiled as she took Riley by the hand and pulled her towards the front of the stable.
"Your stall is this way," she said, leading Riley to one of the last stalls on the right. The stall was spacious, with fresh straw bedding and a water bucket in the corner. There was a nameplate on the door that read "Riley".
"This is your home away from home," Alexis said, flicking on the light inside the stall. "You will rest here, eat here, and even sleep here. It's all yours."
Riley looked around, taking in the details of her new surroundings. The stall was cozy and inviting, but the thought of sleeping here was a little daunting. The single bed had a thin looking blankett and a pillow that also looked to be filled with straw.
"Its comfier than it looks Riley. You'll really get the full experience of being a pony. The smells of wood, leather and straw are all part of this. Now. Take a drink." Alexis pushed Riley into the stall giving her butt a playful slap with the crop.
"Drink up," she said, nodding towards the water bucket in the corner. Riley looked at the water bucket and then at Alexis, her eyebrows furrowing in confusion. "You expect me to drink from that?" Riley asked, pointing at the bucket.
Alexis laughed, "Well, you're a pony, aren't you? Ponies don't use cups. They drink from troughs or buckets. Come on, give it a try," Alexis encouraged. "While you're training you'll drink from a water bottle but in here you are free to drink as much as you like from your very own bucket." She spoke like this was some luxury.
Was she serious? Riley looked at Alexis, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Alexis, we're in a stable. Not some medieval fantasy. I'm not drinking from a bucket like an animal."
Alexis chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "Riley, you're not just any animal. You're a pony. And ponies drink from buckets. Come on, it's not so bad. It's actually quite liberating, if you ask me."
Riley hesitated, looking from the bucket to Alexis and back again. "I don't know...
," Riley trailed off, her hesitation clear. She had always been adventurous, but this was something else entirely. She looked at the bucket, imagining her face dipping into the cool water, her hair getting wet, her lips brushing against the metal. She shook her head, a small laugh escaping her. "Alexis, this is crazy. I can't just...drink from a bucket like a horse."
Alexis's eyes softened as she watched Riley struggle with the idea. She walked over to the bucket and dipped her hand into the water. She cupped her hand and brought it to Riley's lips, tilting her head back gently.
"Here, let me help you," she said softly, her fingers brushing against Riley's lips. Riley's eyes widened in surprise, but she parted her lips and allowed Alexis to tip the water into her mouth. She swallowed, the cool liquid quenching her thirst. She had always been a bit of a germophobe, but there was something intimate and almost primal about the act. She felt a shiver run down her spine. "See? It's not so bad, is it?" she asked, her voice gentle and encouraging.
Riley shook her head slightly, her lips still parted from the sip of water. "No, it's... different."
Alexis smiled, taking Riley's hand and leading her towards the bucket. "Come on, let's try it again. This time, you do it on your own."
Riley hesitated for a moment, her heart pounding in her chest. She looked at the bucket, then back at Alexis, who was watching her with a mix of amusement and encouragement. She took a deep breath and knelt by the buck before sticking her hands in the water.
"Excuse me Riley. What do you think you are doing?" Alexis queried. "Do ponies have hands?" Alexis asked, her voice a gentle reminder. "No, ponies have front legs and hooves."
Riley flushed, realizing her mistake. She lowered her head and tried to mimic a horse drinking from a trough. Her lips touched the cool metal, and she tilted her head back to take a sip. The water was refreshing, but the sensation was strange and unfamiliar. She pulled back, blinking the droplets from her eyelashes.
"There you go," Alexis praised, her voice warm with approval.
Riley nodded, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand.
She felt a strange mix of accomplishment and embarrassment. She was doing things she never thought she would, and it was all at the hands of her best friend. She couldn't help but feel a thrill of excitement at the thought.
"Good girl," Alexis praised, her voice filled with pride. "I knew you could do it. Now, why don't you take a seat and relax for a bit? You've earned it."
Riley nodded, walking over to the small bed in the corner of the stall. The straw mattress was surprisingly comfortable, and she sank into it with a soft sigh.
Alexis walked out the stall and closed a small gate in the front. Riley heard a chain being attached to the gate symbolically locking her in. "We'll continue your training later but rest, relax just don't leave this stall. Your first few days i'll allow you to speak and ask question but I want you to start answering Yes or No with a stamp of your foot and far more horse noises. Understood?" Alexis asked, her voice taking on a more authoritative tone.
Riley nodded, a sense of unease washing over her. "Good. I'll be back soon to check on you. In the meantime, why don't you get some rest? With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Riley alone in the stall.
Riley felt a pang of loneliness at Alexis's departure, but she also felt a strange sense of contentment.@Pony Boots